QPAC

First Nations Storytelling: Caring for Country

Artists in Classrooms

  • Artists in Classrooms

    First Nations Storytelling: Caring for Country is part of QPAC's Artists in Classrooms initiative, within the Creative Learning Program. Developed to extend the learning beyond the stage, these workshops are designed to be delivered in-school and provide inspiring, curriculum-linked experiences to your students.

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$650
1 hour 10 minutes
Maximum 2 hours, subject to change without notice

Trevor Fourmile – Gimuy Walubara Yidinji man – and Nadine McDonald-Dowd – Yuwi woman – guide students in an exploration of storytelling as a dynamic and living cultural practice vital to First Nations and Torres Strait Islander stories. 

Through this experience, students engage with how stories can carry knowledge, perspectives and connections across time, supporting continuity and shared understanding within communities. 

Curriculum Links, Year Level Suitability, Learning Outcomes

Year Level Suitability

Year Levels: 5 - 12

This workshop can be tailored for specific year level/s, subjects, and learning outcomes.  

 

Curriculum Links

Cross Curriculum Priorities - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, English V9, The Arts Curriculum V9.0 

 

Learning Outcomes

Students can identify

  • identify themes and purposes in protest songs
  • discuss how musical choices strengthen meaning
  • articulate an issue or idea they care about
  • begin planning lyrics and musical style for a protest song.

Workshop Format & Delivery
Workshop Format

  1. Length of workshop: min. 70 mins, max 2 hours

  1. Group size limits: Maximum of 30 students 

  1. Space requirements: Empty classroom, hall or assembly space 

  1. Equipment: A whiteboard and whiteboard pens are required. QPAC will provide any technical equipment required. 

  1. Accessibility considerations: Please inform us of any specific accessibility requirements of your students. 

 

Workshop Delivery

  1. Who will deliver the workshop? The workshop will be delivered by professional Teaching Artists

  1. What is the involvement level of the teacher? Teachers are considered learning partners and will be invloved in supporting discussion and engagement throughout the workshop. 

  1. What is the level of student participation? Participation is always optional. Students can participate at their own pace.  

  1. Can the workshop be adapted to different learning contexts? This workshop can be adapted for your school’s specific context and the needs of your students. Contact us to discuss any specific requests or considerations. 

Cost
Cost

$650 for half-day (min. 70 minutes)

Travel costs: Travel costs may apply for schools located outside SE QLD.

 

Payment Information

Invoicing and payment options

Documents

Important Information

Dates

Workshops are avialble throughout 2026.

Cost

$650 per workshop (min. 70 minutes. Max 2 hours) 

Travel costs may apply for schools located outside SE QLD

Bookings

To express your interest in this workshop being held at your school, please fill in the enquiry form and our Education Manager will be in touch to discuss availability and workshop suitability. 

Artists and Facilitators

Trevor Fourmile

School Engagement Lead Officer | Author

Trevor Fourmile is from the Gimuy Walubara Yidinji people of Cairns, Queensland. Author of numerous books such as, Gurril The Storm Bird, How the Cassowary got its Helmet and Bajirriga the Turtle based on the Cairns coastal rainforest told in traditional style.

Trevor whose Yidinji name is Bumi (lightning flash) is a School Engagement Lead Officer for the Hymba Yumba Independent School, Springfield. He is interested in teaching the younger generation his culture through traditional dancing, painting, storytelling and writing children's books.

Nadine McDonald-Dowd

Creative | Dramaturg | Director

Nadine McDonald‑Dowd is a Yuwi creative with more than three decades of experience. She served as Artistic Director of Kooemba Jdarra Indigenous Performing Arts Company from 2001 to 2004, having first joined the company in 1996 to deliver workshops in youth detention centres and schools focused on theatre, music, reconciliation, and performance.

\Across her career, Nadine has worked extensively as a dramaturg and director on First Nations works, supporting the development of new writing, emerging voices, and culturally grounded storytelling. \

QPAC's Creative Learning Program